The major challenge facing visually impaired students is the overwhelming mass of visual material to which they are continually exposed (textbooks, class outlines, schedules, class presentations).
Additionally, the increase in the use of film, video, television and the web adds to the volume of visual material to which they have only limited access.
Characteristics:
There are two main functional categories of visual impairments: Low Vision and Blind
Low vision students are usually print users, but may require special equipment and material.
Strengths and Needs:
Accommodations:
Speak to the class upon entering and leaving the room.
Visual material needs to be accompanied by a verbal description
If you are demonstrating how to use a piece of equipment, be sure to describe the equipment and what you are doing to operate it.
Read overheads aloud and describe the content of slides (see note below about large print). In a conference presentation setting, you will probably want to provide all descriptions yourself. If you are showing a videotape, describe the action. If you distribute videotapes as handouts, any action or an explanatory text that is crucial to understanding the text of the presentation should be narrated.
If there are multiple speakers (such as a panel), have each speaker introduce himself or herself to the audience so that the speakers' voices are keyed for the audience as to their identity.
Be certain that your presentation can be clearly heard by everyone in the room and repeat all questions from the audience, prior to answering.
Handouts should be available in large print, audiotape, computer disk, and/or Braille formats. If this is not possible prior to your presentation, note the various individuals' preferred formats and then make your materials available to them within a short time after your presentation.
Large Print - People who have some functional vision may be able to see print if it is large enough. Prepare print information on white paper with sharp, black ink. Standard print is generally 10-12 point type. Large print is 16-18 point and up, generally an enlargement setting of 160-175% on a copy machine. In the case of documents that already exist in print form, use a copy machine to enlarge each page onto 11 x 17 paper. Try darker settings on the copy machine to increase contrast without producing streaks. Many computer programs offer a variety of font types and sizes. (On most newer versions of browsers, you can select Text Zoom from View Menu of the browser for larger view).
The major challenge facing visually impaired students is the overwhelming mass of visual material to which they are continually exposed (textbooks, class outlines, schedules, class presentations).
Additionally, the increase in the use of film, video, television and the web adds to the volume of visual material to which they have only limited access.
Characteristics:
Strengths and Needs:
Accommodations:
Visual material needs to be accompanied by a verbal description
If you are demonstrating how to use a piece of equipment, be sure to describe the equipment and what you are doing to operate it.
Read overheads aloud and describe the content of slides (see note below about large print). In a conference presentation setting, you will probably want to provide all descriptions yourself. If you are showing a videotape, describe the action. If you distribute videotapes as handouts, any action or an explanatory text that is crucial to understanding the text of the presentation should be narrated.